Psyche casta (Pallas, 1767) Species
Last modified: March 17, 2024, 2:26 p.m.
A common species throughout Belgium and known from many localities. This is the commonest member of this family in our country.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Psychidae > Subfamily: Psychinae > Tribus: Psychini > Genus: Psyche > Species: Psyche casta
- Vernacular names
- Gewone zakdrager (NL), la Psyche lustrée (FR), Kleiner Rauch-Sackträger (DE)
- Synonyms
- Psyche muscella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Psyche nitidella (Hübner, 1796)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1837. Catalogue des Lépidoptères ou Papillons de la Belgique, précédé du tableau des Libellulines de ce pays. — — : 1–29. On page 28 (as Psyche Nitidella). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 10,5–14,5 mm. Body lenght 4–5mm in female. Forewing in male greyish brown.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
No pictures yet!Genitalia
Caterpillar
Caterpillars are dark, body reddish yellow. The crossbands across the back are dark, often with yellowish bands. Larval development one or two years.
Case
Length 6–12 mm, width 2–3 mm, tubular, covered with dried grass stems or straws that are fastened anteriorly and can protude up to 19 mm beyond the tip of the case.
Bionomics
The female is apterous and usually stays in the case. The males are active in afternoon sunshine.
Flight periods
One generation a year: from May till July.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Ulmus minor, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus spinosa, Frangula alnus, Cornus sanguinea, Syringa vulgaris, Euphorbia cyparissias and Ulmus glabra
- Substrates:
- Dead leaves, Lichens and Grasses
The larva feeds on grasses, lichens and decaying vegetable plant material.
Habitat
Forests, meadows, forest edges.
